07/06/2009  Shatin  Race 10

After arriving at the Start, the tongue tie on APPRECIATION was refitted. On jumping, BAAZIGAR lost its position when crowded for room between AMAZING JOURNEY and BOLERO. Also on jumping, BEST POWER was bumped by APPRECIATION which began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly. On jumping, CLOSERTOBELIEVING was taken back. At the 750 Metres, AMAZING JOURNEY, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SUNRISE which in turn was steadied slightly away from the heels of BAAZIGAR. Shortly after this, AMAZING JOURNEY shifted out, struck the heels of APPRECIATION, blundered and almost fell, causing J Lloyd, its rider, to be almost dislodged. BEST POWER, which was following, was checked in consequence. After this, AMAZING JOURNEY was eased down. Just prior to the winning post, B Doyle (STOLEN THUNDER) had the whip knocked from his hand by the whip of W C Marwing (BAAZIGAR). When questioned regarding his riding in the early stages, C W Wong (RED RULER) said he had been instructed to ride his mount quietly. He said when he had last ridden RED RULER when it raced two starts ago over 1200 Metres, the horse had been ridden quietly and closed the race off strongly. He said he was aware RED RULER in the past on occasions had proved difficult to settle when being ridden in the early stages. He said in accordance with these instructions he did not ride RED RULER along in the early stages. He said he initially shifted to the fence near the 1500 Metres in a position behind STOLEN THUNDER and he continued to ride his mount quietly which enabled THE ONLY KID to shift to a position in front of him near the 1300 Metres. He said in the Straight RED RULER closed the race off fairly, then over about the final 75 Metres he did not ride his mount out as it was being tightened for room between BAAZIGAR and WISE LOVER which was drifting in. He said because of this RED RULER was not fully tested. C W Wong was told his explanation would be reported, however, where circumstances permit he should ensure he maintains his position, thereby preventing other runners from shifting in front of him. He was also told whilst the Stewards accepted WISE LOVER was drifting in, he nonetheless has a responsibility to ensure that he rides his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where possible. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BOLERO, H W Lai said his mount, which was having its first race start over 1600 Metres today, was not able to obtain cover and travelled wide throughout the race. He said because of this in the Straight BOLERO failed to finish the race off and over the concluding stages gave ground. BOLERO and AMAZING JOURNEY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BOLERO and AMAZING JOURNEY after the race did not show any significant findings. BIG PROFIT and JOHNSON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BAAZIGAR had bled from both nostrils.